Richard Kettleborough and Chris Gaffaney to oversee India vs South Africa clash as ICC announces T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 officials

Table of Contents

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially unveiled the lineup of match officials for the high-stakes Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 21. A total of 16 umpires, drawn from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel and the ICC Emerging Umpires Group, alongside four Elite Panel Match Referees, will oversee the second phase of the tournament. The selection highlights a focus on experience, ensuring that the most critical fixtures of the event are handled by the world’s top-tier officials.

The Super Eight phase kicks off with a massive Group 2 clash between New Zealand and Pakistan in Colombo. The ICC has leaned on veteran experience for this opening encounter to ensure a smooth transition into the tournament’s most competitive round. The officiating teams for the key Group 2 matches are as follows:

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8: Date, Match Time, Broadcast, Live Streaming details

Group 1 action begins with a blockbuster repeat of the 2024 Final as co-hosts India face South Africa in Ahmedabad. The appointment of Chris Gaffaney, who stood in the final two years ago, signals the ICC’s intent to bring championship-level pedigree to this repeat fixture.

Match Referees: Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson, Javagal Srinath.

Umpires: Rodney Tucker, Paul Reiffel, Allahudien Paleker, Sam Nogajski, Nitin Menon, Adrian Holdstock, Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob, Richard Kettleborough, Chris Gaffaney, Alex Wharf, Chris Brown, Richard Illingworth, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Shahid Saikat, Kumar Dharmasena.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026 [EXPLAINED]: Why all group stage toppers are placed together in single Super 8 group